How to Hang a Glass Light Shade

Kristan HartUpdated February 21, 2017

An exposed light bulb isn't the most stylish light fixture style available. Instead of leaving an exposed light bulb in the room, choose a pretty glass light shade to hide the bulb. Glass still allows the light from the bulb to shine through, but the colours and designs of a glass light shade cover the unappealing shape and style of the bare bulb. Frosted glass light shades can even approve your appearance when you look in the mirror.

Loosen the small screws around the lip of the light fixture base that help hold the glass light shade in place. Loosening the screws allows room for the glass light cover to slide into the lip. The screws are small, so adjusting them with your fingers is easy.

Hold the glass light shade up towards the light fixture. It should be obvious which side of the glass light cover fits on the base of the light fixture because it is open and is the same size as the light fixture base opening.

Slide your glass light shade up into the appropriate area on your light fixture base.

Tighten the small screws surrounding the lip where you will conduct your glass shade installation. Turn each screw to the right with your fingers until you feel a bit of pressure. Try not to tighten the screws too much or you could break the glass light shade.

Wiggle the glass light cover with the hand holding the shade to make sure it's firmly in place. Let go of the shade, but keep your hand close to make sure it stays put.

Turn on the light switch to test the appearance of your new glass light shade.

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About the Author

Kristan Hart is an award-winning journalist in Springfield, Mo., who provides SEO web copy as a freelance writer/editor. She has a decade of experience and holds a bachelor's degree in mass communications with an emphasis in broadcasting.